ABSTRACT
Most of the evidence about sport and recreation in early modern England comes from sources generated by attempts to prohibit, control or reform such activities. This chapter presents findings from a different kind of source, the inquest reports on sudden deaths submitted by coroners to the assize justices for filing at the court of King's Bench. The detailed descriptions provided by these reports of the circumstances in which accidental deaths occurred shed light on the social range of participants in these activities and those who watched them play. Archery accidents were more frequent than those for any other pastime. Swimming was more solitary ana therein lay part of its danger. Fatal accidents cannot give a comprehensive picture of sporting culture. Maypole-dancing was dangerous not to the dancers. Accident inquests cannot tell us everything we would like to know about sport and recreation in early modern England, but they can provide insights that no other source can easily give.
